Design and construction of a prototype general purpose syntax-aware text editor

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Abstract

A comparison is made between traditional text editors, syntax-directed editors and
syntax-aware editors. The design for a prototype general purpose syntax-aware editor is
presented. This editor utilizes a user-written language specification to continuously parse
the text buffer. Errors are indicated to the user non-intrusively by modifying the display
color of the text. Error messages are presented to the user as the cursor is placed over
portions of the text which are in error. A description of the implementation of the editor,
and a critique of its usefulness is included.